Meet the team

TYRELLE MCLEOD-BENTLEY

Director

  • After undertaking a soccer scholarship at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Tyrelle went on to experience an international soccer career playing for numerous teams in the USA and UK and then the prestigious IF Karlslund in Sweden. Post soccer, Tyrelle worked as a consultant for the highly esteemed Prelude Group. In 2014 Tyrelle co-founded Soccer Assist, one of the UK’s fastest growing Soccer Scholarship agencies, where he remains a Director today. With a well respected soccer career and business skills under his belt, Tyrelle has been awarded various accolades, from the Young Enterprise award in 2014, to Industry Leader by Sports Industry Group NextGen in 2017, as well participating in young entrepreneur forums on BBC radio and being featured as One to Watch by Startups journal. At Varsity Nine, Tyrelle is responsible for leading and directing our Pro and Elite services.

OLIVIA
SPINELLI

Director

  • Olivia started her career at Vivienne Westwood in a digital role during the early days of luxury ecommerce. From here she transitioned into the field of public relations and then embraced startup life developing social media and digital strategies for large global brands at digital agency Klood. During her tenure, Olivia fast-tracked to become Head of Content and Digital Projects and set the digital content vision for some of the UK’s leading brands such as VW and Costa. In 2016 Olivia co-founded The App Nest, a technology startup that specialised in the incubation of premium apps and development of unique algorithms including Football Whispers, the world's first transfer predictor. In 2018 The App Nest transitioned to DREST, the world’s first luxury gaming app, where Olivia took on the role of Content and Brand Partnerships Director until late 2021. In 2022 Olivia took on the role as Managing Director at Soccer Assist, where she remains in office today. At Varsity Nine Olivia has joined the board as a Director and Strategic Advisor. Olivia studied at the University of Manchester, where she graduated with a 1st Class Bsc Hons degree. Outside of the office Olivia is a part-time Yoga teacher. 

VIVION
COX

Director

  • Vivion started his career as a Technologist in the Banking and Insurance sectors before studying for his MBA at the world renowned Cranfield School of Management where he caught the startup bug. A true entrepreneur and 5 time business Founder within an array of sectors mostly in the areas of Technology, Digital and Sport. Vivion has successfully sold 4 of the businesses and holds the title of Founder and Board position at the one that remains, Twenty3, an industry leading sports technology platform that consolidates and optimises data to enrich content and enhance team and recruitment analysis for pro Football teams across the globe. Career highlights include; Chief Development Officer at DREST, Co-Founder at The App Nest, Founder and CEO at Klood, Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Oomri Limited. Vivion has joined the board at Varsity Nine as a Strategic Advisor. Outside of the office Vivion is has been the Director of Football at non-league clubs which saw him play a critical role in one of the teams achieving back to back historic FA Vase final appearances at Wembley and is also a competitive triathlete. 

    Vivion is also a FIFA Licensed Agent and FA Registered Agent - operating under Varsity Nine’s Pro services.

JUNIOR
OSEI-TUTU

Director

  • After completing a soccer scholarship at West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 2015, Junior went on to study Business Management at Walsh University, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Whilst studying, Junior co-founded Soccer Assist, one of the UK’s fastest growing Soccer Scholarship agencies, where he remains a Director today. In 2022 Junior was awarded Industry Leader by Sports Industry Group NextGen. At Varsity Nine, Junior is responsible for leading and directing our sales and partnerships, and overall delivery of our Elite scholarship placement services and Soccer & Education Programme.

Charlie Crane

Soccer Consultant

    • Charlie was degree educated at St. Thomas Aquinas College, New York, USA.

    • He competed on the men’s soccer team in the NCAA for four years. 

    • Charlie played in the summer leagues for Duluth F.C and New York Athletic Club.

    • Upon graduation Charlie coached at NCAA and club level. 

    • Charlie has worked in the scholarship sector since 2019, whilst also continuing his footballing career with playing contracts in Sweden and Finland.

    • Since 2024 he has overseen the placement of Varsity Nine athletes, priding himself on finding the optimum academic and sporting fit for each individual client.

Emily Woolvin

Athlete Operations Manager

    • Emily was a devoted youth footballer, with time spent at academies including Aston Villa and Birmingham City. 

    • She secured a USA soccer scholarship at Goldey-Beacom College, Delaware.  

    • Emily graduated in 2021 with a degree in Business Administration in the NCAA DII CACC Conference, achieving DII ADA Academic Achievement award and CACC academic Honour Roll. 

    • A UEFA Licensed Coach, Emily currently coaches at West Bromwich Albion Girls RTC/ETC.

    • Emily is responsible for ensuring Varsity Nine athletes experience a smooth transition from recruitment to placement and supporting them throughout the process.

Tom Stockley

Operations Executive

    • Tom is a former West Bromwich Albion Youth Academy player, where he developed a strong foundation in elite football environments.

    • He went on to represent Loughborough University 1st Team whilst studying a degree in Sport Science and Management.

    • After university, Tom spent a year playing football in Australia with the help of Varsity Nine, gaining valuable international and cultural experience within the game.

    • He is currently an active Step 3 semi-professional footballer, continuing to compete at a high level within the English football pyramid.

HUGO LOGAN

Junior Graphic Designer

    • Hugo spent 10 years at MK Dons, progressing through the academy from age 9 to 19, earning a one-year professional contract and making three senior first-team appearances.

    • Awarded a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 program Grand Canyon University, featuring regularly in back-to-back regular season conference-winning teams and NCAA Tournament campaigns.

    • He graduated with a BA in Graphic Design and Advertising.

    • A football creative with experience in professional football photography, alongside brand development and graphic design.

ELLIOT HEARNE

Video Content Producer

    • Elliot is a passionate creative with a degree in Media Productions (Bsc, Hons).

    • An experienced professional Videographer and Editor and all round content creator with specialism in production setup, camera operation, editing and motion graphics.

    • A specialist in sports content creation, the football sector in particular.

    • Elliot’s career highlights include Videographer at Aston Villa Football Club and Leisure Leagues, producing a diverse range of content from behind-the-scenes to match day footage and marketing materials. 

    • He is responsible for the management and production of Varsity Nine’s video content.  

Josh Bonaiti

Football Programme Operations & Recruitment Manager

    • Josh was an Academy football player for the majority of his youth career.

    • He then embarked on a USA Soccer scholarship at Heartland Community College before transferring to Waldorf University, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Psychology.

    • Josh has worked in the scholarship sector since 2022 and is responsible for supporting Varsity Nine’s recruitment function.

    • Alongside his work at Varsity Nine, Josh is also completing his MSc in Psychology.

JONATHAN BARDEN

Soccer Consultant

    • Jonathan was a Watford Academy football player before attending James Madison University on a soccer scholarship at the NCAA Division 1 level.

    • He then played two seasons for IBV in the Icelandic Premier League before representing Ottawa Fury FC and Saint Louis FC in the USL Championship.

    • Jonathan spent 5 years at Sutton United, winning the National League and taking the club up to League 2 for the first time in the club’s history.

    • After suffering a broken leg, Jonathan retired from professional football in 2024 and joined Varsity Nine.

ANNABEL PRIOR

Operations & Events Director

    • Annabel was a dedicated youth footballer, with stints at academies including AFC Wimbledon, Fulham and Chelsea.  

    • Annabel secured a full soccer scholarship at Louisiana Tech University.

    • She graduated in 2017 with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. 

    • Annabel has worked in the sports scholarship sector since 2017. 

    • An integral part of the Varsity Nine team, Annabel is responsible for overseeing the effective management and running of all our ops functions and events.

Want to join us?

We’re currently hiring for the below roles, but we’re always keen to hear from talented individuals looking for the next step in their career. Get in touch via the form on this page or check out our LinkedIn to apply.